Designer POV:
Meet the wunderkind behind PHILEO.
The rise of Philéo Landowski is nothing short of a fashion fairytale. While his peers were busy in university, the 21-year-old was interning at Celine during Phoebe Philo’s tenure. His love for designing sneakers eventually led to the launch of his namesake label, PHILEO. Shortly after, he landed a gig as a creative consultant for Salomon. Now, PHILEO is finally debuting their collab with Salomon.
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While it might evoke the sensibilities of the popular XT-6 GORE-TEX, the collaborative XT-SP1 is a brand-new style for Salomon. Inspired by the contrast of nature and rugged urban spaces, the hybrid trail shoe features a soft and tactile knitted upper and a sturdy, reliable outsole. The shoe drops in two colourways: "Black and Darkest Spruce" as well as the highly desirable "Cradle Pink, Prism Pink and White".
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“It always starts with what I love, what I like, and what inspires me.”
When did Phileo begin?
I created Phileo around three years ago and we’re currently presenting our seventh collection. I used my name because it means “I love” in ancient Greek. It represents the mindset I am in when I create. It always starts with what I love, what I like, and what inspires me.
What can you tell us about the new 033-AZAR sneakers?
Sustainability is important to me, so our new 033-AZAR sneakers feature a newly developed outsole in sugarcane EVA. It’s 70% recycled sugarcane, while the upper is made from 26% recycled apples to create the leather. The volume was inspired by a morphing living organism that expands and wraps the foot above it. Thanks to the ‘w’ construction of the outsole, only 5% of the outsole touches the ground when you’re walking. The Azar is available in black and white, which are the only colours I use for the brand.
What’s the story behind your Agafay mules?
The Agafay mules have become iconic for the brand. They were inspired by my travels to Morocco last winter. We did a trek in the Agafay desert and that’s where its name comes from. It’s a mule that is pretty hard to create because it’s so minimal and there’s nothing much on it. It instantly became a bestseller for us.
What advice do you have for young designers who are looking to follow in your footsteps?
My advice to young designers would be to get inspired as much as you can, ask questions, listen to what people have to say, and above all, trust your vision.
